"Well, it could be worse," Rolad said. He didn't slow but he didn't race headlong into the situation, either. "The orcs are on the far side of the bridge so we won't have to fight our way through them and then cross the bridge. On the other hand, as soon as they see Princess Destiny there will likely be a brawl."
"There might be another way," Fox said. He stood in the saddle and seemed to be looking at something other than the mass of soldiers and orcs. "Sir, if we can get Dusty and Blue onto one of the heading up the canal to the river, they'll be safe at least that far. The orcs will not go into the water to get her."
"Then we hold the orcs here," Commander Rodal said with a slight nod. "Or at least harass them and hope we can get more soldiers gathered to fight them when she gets to the city. You, of course, will go with her, Fox. We'll try to keep the orcs back far enough that they cannot do any harm from the banks."
Fox gave a solemn nod and looked to Dusty. "Do you agree?"
"I like this much better than trying to just rush past them," she said with a nod. "Can we get a boat across the river and to this side?"
"That might be difficult," Rodal said and slowed. "Better if a craft need only come up close to the bridge and we lower you down to it. Stay out into the water as much as possible."
Fox and Dusty both nodded agreement. Rodal sent two of the soldiers on ahead and told them to get one of the boats in the area.
"Well compensate the owner. Just get the boat and get their quickly."
The two men nodded and rode on ahead. It probably looked only that they were going to find out what the trouble might be. Dusty had not been spotted yet, she thought. Fox had moved in close beside her, too. He looked worried again.
The idea of using the boat was a good one, though. Anything that would keep them out of the reach of the orcs for a little longer. From the canal docks to the castle was along way and most of it uphill, though. She feared it would slow her, but not Blue.
They moved closer. The soldiers, she saw, had already chosen a small boat, and were dealing with the owner. Dusty hoped that the man didn't argue much. Any moment now --
And it happened. An orc gave a different sort of shout and began to frantically wave his arms toward where she and the others rode.
"This is it," Fox warned. "Get to the edge of the bridge, Dusty. The rest of us will protect you."
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